Tradies walk off job site as JM Kelly goes into liquidation

4.30PM: The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) has announced they would begin action to exclude company director John Murphy from the industry following the JM Kelly Group's voluntary administration.

"Unfortunately we had to commit substantial resources in defending our right to maintain these QBCC licences through an unnecessary, time consuming and very expensive legal process," he said.

"Whilst we are happy that we have been found to be correct and that the case is over, the devastating impact of this case means that it is with deep regret that we advise that we are unable to continue to trade."

QCAT found Mr Murphy would be able to maintain his QBCC licence and specifically found he was not an excluded individual under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 as a result of his position as an employee and General Manager in JM Kelly (Project Builders) Pty Ltd.

The QCAT judgment was handed down on Tuesday afternoon, 9 October.

The ALDI construction site was bare today after tradespeople walked off the job after JMK Kelly went into liquidation.Shayla Bulloch

Mr Murphy said the efforts to defend the business had considerable impact to its future.

"We actively explored options to allow the company to trade but the ongoing impact of the QBCC's approach against us was insurmountable," he said.

"Despite our submissions explaining the position now upheld by QCAT, the Department of Housing and Public Works also removed us from certain tender lists which prevented us from tendering upon almost $90m of work within Central Queensland.

"This was a significant part of our business.

"These actions are extremely disappointing and has disregarded the jobs of almost 230 people including almost 40 apprentices from within our local community.

"Our focus now is to actively assist the administrators with decisions moving forward."

JM Kelly was established in 1961 and is estimated to have contributed approximately $100 million to the local economy annually.

"The past few years have been very difficult and trying for all of us at JMK," Mr Murphy said.

"We thank our clients that have supported us and our management, staff, subcontractors and suppliers for their support and patience.

"We are deeply saddened that we are unable to continue to trade and we are acutely aware of the impact this decision will have on the local community."